Denise Richards Reflects on Her Iconic Career: From Wild Things to RHOBH
Denise Richards was “scooping ice cream at Häagen-Dazs” when she had her breakthrough moment.
Her initial opportunity arose from a modeling search for Esprit, where she secured second place, leading her to an agent. Following her travels around the globe as a professional model, Richards, now 54, relocated to Los Angeles to chase her acting dreams.
“I started working hard and putting myself out there,” Richards exclusively revealed in the latest issue of Us Weekly. “I faced a lot of rejections, but every time I landed a job, it made all the struggles worthwhile.”
Richards shared with Us that she has ventured into “just about every genre imaginable.” She is now making her return to reality television with her new Bravo series, Denise Richards and Her Wild Things. The show features Richards along with her daughters Sami and Lola Sheen, and it premiered on Tuesday, March 4. (Richards shares Sami, 20, and Lola, 19, with her ex-husband Charlie Sheen.)
“I love to work, and I’m grateful that I’ve had the chance to tackle a variety of projects and continue working,” she added. “I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to still be active in my career, and it’s been a fantastic experience.”
Continue reading to discover how Richards reflects on her career journey:
Growing Up in Illinois (1970s and 1980s)
With dinner at 6 p.m., church on Sundays, and family camping trips, Richards had a modest upbringing alongside her parents and younger sister Michelle.
“We were the quintessential American family,” she shared with Us. “It’s quite different from how my daughters are being raised.”
Modeling (1990s)
Richards appeared on magazine covers and secured various campaigns with brands like Bonne Bell, Max Factor, the Gap, and JCPenney. She made a conscious effort to keep her budding career under wraps from her classmates.
“I was somewhat shy and reserved,” Richards explained. However, the day after her high school graduation, she flew to Japan with a modeling agency, where she spent two months.
‘Starship Troopers’ (1997)
The actress fondly recalls the sci-fi cult classic as one of her “favorite memories,” marking her first leading role alongside Casper Van Dien and Jake Busey.
“We were all at similar stages in our careers, and many of us still keep in touch,” she shared with Us. “We had an incredible time together. We were all new and eager, and it’s one of my most cherished experiences.”
‘Wild Things’ (1998)
Richards admitted to feeling “intimidated” acting alongside Hollywood giants like Neve Campbell, Matt Dillon, and Kevin Bacon. (To this day, fans still request her autograph on pictures of the pool scene with Campbell.)
“I was an unknown on set,” she reminisced. “No one had any idea who I was.”
‘The World Is Not Enough’ (1999)
Interestingly, the actress had never seen a James Bond film before she landed the role of Christmas Jones opposite Pierce Brosnan’s 007.
“I asked my agent, ‘Why is it such big news?’ He responded, ‘Because you’re a Bond girl,’” Richards recounted, expressing to Us what an “honor” it was to be part of the “magic” of Bond films.
‘Drop Dead Gorgeous’ (1999)
Portraying a pageant queen in this film granted Richards her first experience in a lavish trailer.
“I had my first taste of really nice trailers!” she joked, mentioning how costars Ellen Barkin and the late Kirstie Alley inspired her on set. “They made it all seem so effortless.”
‘Friends’ (2001)
As a fan, Richards couldn’t agree quick enough to guest star as Cassie, Ross (David Schwimmer) and Monica’s (Courteney Cox) cousin who had the ability to hypnotize with her hair flip.
“I was beyond thrilled to work with them,” she recounted, noting that performing in front of a studio audience was quite “nerve-wracking.” “The cast was so polished. They could rehearse in their sleep.”
Marriage to Charlie Sheen (2002 to 2005)
The choice to end her tumultuous marriage with Sheen while expecting their second child was challenging both personally and professionally.
“That was really tough for my career,” she confessed to Us. “Many people were hesitant to hire me.”
Nonetheless, Richards stated that her relationship with Sheen is “good.” “It has been a roller coaster, and he’s been one of my greatest teachers in helping me learn a lot about myself,” she added.
Covering ‘Playboy’ (2004)
Richards graced the cover of Playboy just five months after giving birth — a moment of empowerment for her.
“I was definitely apprehensive about doing it,” she stated, explaining, “I thought, ‘It’s perfectly fine to be sexy even as a mom and a wife.’ I wanted to embrace my femininity and do something audacious.”
Marrying Aaron Phypers (2018)
The couple tied the knot in a casual Malibu ceremony organized just days in advance. Richards opted for a romper with a detachable tulle skirt.
“I didn’t want to wear a traditional wedding dress. It was my second marriage, and I have a beachy vibe,” she clarified. “I was looking for something comfortable and, although I received mixed opinions from others, I loved what I wore.”
‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ (2019 to 2020)
Bravo, Bravo, f—ing Bravo! Richards expressed to Us that she “enjoyed being on the show” despite the associated drama.
“It was a lot of fun, and I really cherished the trips, even when they got a bit wild,” she said. “I’ve made plenty of friends from the show — and some not-so-friends too.”
‘Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test’ (2025)
Richards exited Fox’s military-style competition after jumping off a bridge and injuring a breast implant.
“I discovered I’m stronger than I believed,” she stated. “I didn’t last long on the show, but I’m amazed at what I accomplished.”
For more insights from Richards, watch the video above and grab the latest issue of Us Weekly, available now.
